Harmen Fraanje

Harmen Fraanje (Roosendaal, 1976) is a Dutch jazz pianist, composer, and internationally recognized teacher. After studying at the conservatories of Tilburg (cum laude 2000) and Utrecht, he developed his own voice in contemporary improvisational music.

His music breathes lyricism and introspection, with a refined balance between minimalism and expressive depth. In his playing, jazz, classical harmony, and world music blend organically, with subtle influences from, among others, African traditions.

Fraanje leads various formations: from solo projects to trios and duos. His trio with cellist Ernst Reijseger and singer/percussionist Mola Sylla represents a remarkable cross-pollination of European classical music, free improvisation, and West African rhythms. Additionally, he forms an understated duo with Norwegian trumpeter Arve Henriksen; their album Touch of Time (released in 2024 on ECM) refers to a mutually inspiring sound world.

He was also a keyboardist for a long time in the trio of Norwegian bassist Mats Eilertsen (including And Then Comes The Night, 2019), and played a prominent role in Eric Vloeimans’ Fugimundi Trio and Michael Moore’s Fragile Quartet. Thanks to his intensive collaboration with leading musicians such as Ambrose Akinmusire, Mark Turner, Magic Malik, and Han Bennink, he has now become a fixture in the European jazz scene.

Filmed and recorded live in July 2025.

SETLIST
Aion (H. Fraanje)
Httw (H. Fraanje)

MUSICIANS
Piano: Harmen Fraanje

POCKET CONCERTS TEAM
Production: Arjan Went & Co de Kloet
Sound: Wijnand de Groot
Camera & Editing: Arnaud Heymel (Heymel Visual)
Camera assistant: Yara Heijmel (AllYouMedia)
Host: Ide van Gelder
Design: Marcel van den Broek (Oak Creatives)

THANKS TO
Mark van Schaick (Buma Cultuur)
Fabrizzia De Toni (inJazz)
Theater Kikker, Utrecht
Raph van den Driesschen
Rimke Went (RimDesign)
Niklaas Hoekstra (Concertzender)
Sem de Jongh (Concertzender)
Daens planten, Utrecht

Pocket Concerts is made possible by World of Jazz, inJazz, Het Jazz Archief and Podiumkunst.net.